The feel of Stephanie’s arms around him hit Nick with a jolt
of sexual adrenaline. His erection tented his jeans and he squirmed on
the bike’s hard leather seat. Great! He did not particularly look forward
to the drive down the shore with a hard-on, but he couldn’t seem to lose
it while this beautiful lady held him. He’d live up to his own words and
take the day as a reprieve, a time when he didn’t have to think about his
legal situation. Today would be a gift for both of them, something they
could look back at once the shit hit the fan.

The wind whipped them as they sped to the shore. The tang of salt air
soon surrounded them. "We’re here," he murmured, maneuvering his bike through
the maze of streets that would take them out to the boardwalk. Nick parked
his bike, the sole vehicle in a long stretch. His erection, feeling like
a permanent fixture whenever he was near Stephanie, cried out for relief.

* * * * *

Stephanie had gone into a dream state during the ride down to the shore.
Now the roar of the waves and the bite of the cool salty air stirred her
to wakefulness. Feeling more energetic than she had in months, Stephanie
wanted to embrace the whole scene and make her mark on the beach.

The moment Nick parked the bike, she grabbed his hand. "Race you to
the water." She pulled him just a short way, then dropped his hand and
ran out ahead. For just a moment, she ran alone, experiencing the joy of
the wind and the ocean spray caressing her face. And then Nick caught her
in his arms and lifted her high in the air.

* * * * *

He couldn’t wait, not a moment longer. Now that he had her in his arms,
he thought he’d explode if he didn’t have her—here, now, totally his.

With her hair whipping loose around them, Nick whispered hoarsely in
her ear. "I need you so."